The golden summer sun made way for downpours - with more on the way over the weekend

Britain's golden summer sun made way for heavy rain today - with more on the way thanks to Hurricane Bertha.

Heavy downpours led to several streets being left underwater and residents evacuated from their homes in the Lincolnshire town of Louth, while downpours also led to waterlogged roads in Maidstone, Kent.

The Environment Agency has a flood alert in place along Louth Canal and Waithe Beck while there is a flood warning for properties near the Louth Canal from Keddington to High Bridge.

SWNS

Black Clouds: The summer's over if these clouds over a wheat field in Cambridgeshire are anything to go by

The bad weather is unconnected to Hurricane Bertha, which has been travelling across the Atlantic after hitting the Caribbean islands with gusts of more than 90 mph and leaving thousands of homes without power.

But Bertha is likely to cause rain and wind this weekend, forecasters predict.

A spokesman for the Met Office said the transition of Bertha from a tropical to an extra-tropical storm was increasingly expected to affect UK weather on Sunday.

Chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: "There is still some uncertainty surrounding this weekend's weather, with the potential for heavy rainfall, strong coastal winds and large waves on Sunday.

"However, there is still a chance that the system may pass to the south of the country giving the UK a brighter day.

"Rain and strong winds may well bring disruption, especially across southern parts of the UK, with the potential for more than 50mm of rain and coastal gusts of over 60mph."

Action Images

August Washout: Heavy rain stopped play during the second day of the 4th test, England vs India cricket game at Emirates Old Trafford

It's all a huge change from the excellent summer sunshine the country has been experiencing for much of the last month, ranging from the mid 20s to the low 30s.

Tomorrow is expected to be the last sunny day for the time being, so enjoy it while you can.

Environment Agency flood risk manager, Craig Woolhouse, said: "Heavy rain on Sunday may lead to localised surface water flooding in some parts of England and Wales.

"On Sunday and Monday a combination of high spring tides and strong westerly winds bring a risk of large waves and spray and possible flooding to the South West coast of England and along the Severn Estuary.

"If you're travelling to or from holiday then check your flood risk before setting off and don't drive through flood waters."

Reuters

Big Bad: Hurricane Bertha is the second hurricane of the 2014 Atlantic season, and its remnants are expected to affect the UK on Sunday

Although today and Sunday are likely to have been a wash-out for many, forecasters said that tomorrow is likely to be a more pleasant day, with cloud and patchy sunshine although there will be a risk of summer showers.

Temperatures in the South are expected to reach up to 24C while they will be in the high teens further north.

Environment Minister George Eustice said: "We are working closely with the Flood Forecasting Centre, the Environment Agency, Local Authorities and emergency services to ensure we are prepared for any potential flooding this weekend.

"I urge people to remain vigilant and pay close attention to advice from the Environment Agency and emergency services."